Turo Review: Pros, Cons, and Tips for Affordable Rentals
When renting a car, traditional rental companies like Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz often come to mind first. But in recent years, Turo.com has emerged as a game-changer, offering an Airbnb-style approach to car rentals. I’ve personally used Turo multiple times and found it to be consistently affordable and a convenient alternative. In this post, I’ll share my full review of Turo, discuss the pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right option for you.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Turo. This review is based solely on my personal experiences and research. Other Links included in this post may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my blog!
What is Turo?
Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform that allows individuals to rent their cars to others. It’s available in many cities across the U.S. and other countries, offering everything from economy cars to luxury vehicles.
Instead of going through a traditional rental agency, you browse Turo’s online platform, choose a car from a private owner, and book it for the time you need. It reminds me of the Airbnb platform except for renting cars instead of housing.
Pros of Using Turo
1. Affordability
One of Turo’s biggest selling points is its cost-effectiveness. Rental rates are set by each vehicle owner leaving a wide range of price points open for those looking to rent. In my experience, finding a rental on Turo has been significantly cheaper than using a traditional service.
Here are some of the vehicles I’ve rented and how much I paid for each:
- In Portland, OR I rented a Mazda CX-5 from Friday afternoon to Monday morning for a total of $172.
- In El Paso, TX I rented a Volkswagen Tiguan from Wednesday morning to Saturday afternoon for a total of $216.
- In Albuquerque, NM I rented a Honda Civic from Wednesday afternoon to Monday afternoon for a total of $274.
In each of the above trips, Turo provided a much more affordable option than the larger local companies.
2. Wide Variety of Vehicles
Turo offers an incredible range of vehicles to suit every need and budget. Whether you’re looking for an economy car for a quick errand or a luxury SUV for a special occasion, Turo has options. Some standout features include:
- Vintage cars for unique trips.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) for eco-conscious travelers.
- Specialty vehicles like Jeeps for off-road adventures.
- High-end vehicles for those who want to travel in luxury.
Protip: Know what your itinarary includes before you secure your rental vehicle. In El Paso I knew I’d be camping and would retreat to the vehicle if the weather got bad – which it did – so I was happy to have one large enough to comfortably sleep in.
In Albuquerque, NM I did NOT have my itinerary set prior to securing my rental and I wasn’t able to complete one of the Sandia Cave hike I wanted to do because the road was too rough for the vehicle I rented.
3. Convenience
The booking process is straightforward and user-friendly. You can do it on a computer or right from the app on your phone. You can filter options by price, location, vehicle type, and more. Many Turo hosts also offer delivery services, bringing the car directly to you, whether at your home, hotel, or airport (although that typically increases the price substantially).
Communication is convenient too. If you have a question, something goes wrong, or you need to extend your rental term, you can call or text the owner directly.
4. Personal Touch
Since Turo connects you with individual car owners, the experience feels more personalized. Some hosts leave thoughtful touches like water bottles, maps, phone chargers, or tips for the area you’re visiting. Think of your favorite Uber or Lyft experience and consider that you may get that with your Turo rental as well.
I like the idea of putting money in someone else’s pocket vs. into the pockets of a large corporation, but that’s just me!
5. Flexibility
Turo’s platform often allows for more flexible rental periods. Need a car for just a few hours or an extended rental period? Turo can accommodate.
Depending on the chosen rental, the cancellation policy is typically pretty great too. I think three of the four rentals I booked allowed full-refund cancellations up until 48 hours before my pick up time. One required a week’s notice for cancellation, but I still think that’s pretty good!
Most Turo owners have designated spots for pickup or drop off, but that is something else that can be discussed with your Turo owner if needed as well.
Cons of Using Turo
1. Insurance Complications
Turo is considered a peer-to-peer lending service, so it doesn’t always qualify as a rental car agency in the eyes of insurance providers. This can complicate things and potentially make the rental a less affordable option if you also have to buy insurance.
If you currently have vehicle insurance, the first thing you’ll want to do is call and verify whether or not they’ll cover rental vehicles booked through Turo.com. It’s never a bad idea to get your confirmation in writing if whomever you speak with confirms you’ll be covered.
If your insurance policy doesn’t cover you, Turo offers an insurance option through Travelers Insurance. When making your reservation, you’ll choose the level of insurance you would like to add to your trip (prices vary). Using a Turo protection plan can provide a level of security to your trip if you’re insurance doesn’t cover you, but the out-of-pocket fees for accidents and incidentals may be much higher than a traditional rental agency.
Be sure to do your research and always read the contracts.
2. Limited Availability in Some Areas
Turo’s coverage is widespread, but it’s not everywhere. If you’re in a smaller or more remote area, options may be limited compared to traditional rental companies.
The city I live in surprisingly only has 2 cars available for rent on Turo!
3. Risk of Cancellations
Since Turo rentals are hosted by private individuals, there’s a chance your booking could be canceled at the last minute if something comes up for the host. Turo does provide alternatives in such situations, but it’s still an inconvenience and can end up costing you more depending on the pick-up location of the newly booked rental or even the rental options themselves may be more expensive.
I had a Turo host cancel my booking in the past. Thankfully, they canceled a little over a week before my trip so I had time to find an alternative. I also got very lucky, and the alternative was actually more affordable than the vehicle I’d originally booked and had the same amenities I was looking for. This may not always be the case though.
4. Extra Fees
Be mindful of additional fees, such as cleaning fees, delivery fees, or charges for exceeding mileage limits. While these are typically listed upfront, they can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
In my experience, I’ve never even come close to exceeding the mileage limits, sometimes they’re even unlimited. Additionally, if you take good photos and don’t dirty up the car, cleaning fees are easy to avoid. I did have to run a vehicle through the car wash on my trip to the Sandia Cave hike in Albuquerque, but that’s because it was an off-road adventure and the car was pretty dirty when I was done.
The best thing you can do to avoid some of these additional fees is to take the photos seriously. When you first get to the car, you’re required to submit photos of the outside and inside of the vehicle to document the condition of the vehicle when received.
Unfortunately, sometimes people are assholes and out here to nickel and dime others so do your due diligence and take the time to get those photos! If you do get dinged for a fee that you feel wasn’t necessary, be sure to include that information in your Turo review when you return your vehicle!
5. Potential for Variable Quality
The condition and cleanliness of the vehicle depend entirely on the host. While most of my experiences have been positive, there is a chance the photos listed on the website were from when the vehicle first started out as a rental and may not have been updated recently.
You can easily avoid this surprise by reading other’s reviews and seeing how long the vehicle has been on Turo (that information is provided). I was only surprised once when a car was much dirtier than I thought it would be, but I chose to book a car that didn’t have any reviews due to the cheaper price of the rental, so I wasn’t mad about it. It wasn’t gross either, just not as clean as the pictures looked. I made sure to note that in my review so the next renter isn’t surprised.
My Personal Experiences with Turo
First Trip: A Weekend Getaway
I heard about Turo through a friend when we were booking a trip to Seattle for a weekend get-together. The process was seamless, and the host’s communication was excellent. The car was clean, ran perfectly, and cost half of what I’d have paid at a rental agency. After that, I was sold on using Turo for future trips.
Since then, I’ve booked rentals in four different U.S. cities.
I encourage you, if you do end up booking a rental car, to always leave a review on Turo! The reviews are so helpful for others looking to reserve for the future.
What to look for?
Since I’ve now booked multiple vehicles with Turo, I always look for the following items in the rental:
- Does it have charging capability and does it come with a charger? I rented a vehicle out in El Paso that didn’t have anywhere to plug in a phone charger and there’s nothing worse than needing your phone for navigation and being worried about it dying on you.
- Does it have a screen for displaying GPS and/or does it come with a phone holder so I can see my phone’s GPS. I only book rental cars when I’m traveling, which means I will probably be using a map everywhere I go. Trying to use your phone as navigation and having to have it sit in your lap, on the passenger seat, or in a cup holder because there’s no phone stand or a way to link your phone to the display is not only inconveinent, but also unsafe!
- Before I arrive to my destination I ensure I have clear instructions on how to access the vehicle. Sometimes there’s a lockbox located somewhere on the car. Sometimes there’s a numeric code to put in the door. There was one owner that met me at the vehicle and handed me the keys. It’s important to have the details ahead of time so not to delay your trip. If you arrive and can’t figure it out or have trouble with following the instructions, you could be sitting there until the owner responds.
Sometimes the owner won’t outright put these items in their discription so be sure to read each Turo review and scan for the key words (gps, navigation, phone charger, etc.) or simply reach out to the owner ahead of time and ask them your specific questions.
Additional Discounts/Deals
In addition to Turo having some of the most affordable options, I’ve seen Turo discounts pop up on both Rakuten and my Capital One Rewards page on multiple occasions provding me with even more opportunity to save money. I was able to not only get a discounted rental, but I was able to get cashback while doing so.
If you aren’t already using Rakuten, it’s a great website with a browser extension that will provide you with instant discounts for shopping on certain sites. If you want to find out more and get $30 to spend for free, use my referral link to sign up!
If you already own a Capital One Rewards card, you may want to spend some time searching their travel rewards page. Althought the Capital One Rewards change daily, I’ve seen Turo pop up on there multiple times with cashback ranging from 3% to 12%!
If you don’t own a Capital One Rewards card and travel quite a bit, it may be worth considering. I’ve been using mine for years to book hotels and other travel related expenses all while getting cashback.
Airport Pick Up
Airport pick up is available through Turo. The owners of the vehicles will park the car in airport parking and tell you where to pick it up, which is super convenient. However, on the negative side, I’ve found that a lot of Turo owners charge quite a substantial fee for this service. I’ve never found that it’s more affordable to do airport pick up/drop off than it is to find a vehicle close to the airport and take public transport or catch a rideshare to the vehicles location.
Tips for Using Turo
- Understand Insurance: Make sure you know what coverage you have, whether through Turo or your own provider.
- Read Reviews: Always check Turo reviews for both the car and the host to ensure reliability.
- Plan Ahead: Book early, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Communicate Clearly: Reach out to the host with any questions or special requests.
- Inspect the Car Well: Take photos of the car’s condition before and after your rental to avoid disputes.
Final Thoughts: Is Turo Right for You?
Turo is an excellent option for many travelers, offering affordability, convenience, and a wide selection of vehicles. However, as with all services, there are some challenges to consider such as insurance complexities and coverage.
If you’re considering Turo, I hope this Turo review has given you a clear picture of what to expect. Whether you’re planning a road trip, need a car for a special occasion, or want a budget-friendly option for a weekend getaway, Turo might be the perfect fit. Just be sure to ALWAYS read the contracts and do your research!
Katelynn is a Texas-based writer and travel enthusiast who makes the most of her time exploring new destinations while balancing a full-time 9-5 job. She has visited 12 countries and 27 U.S. states. She describes herself as a weekend warrior and shares her passion for travel, outdoor adventures, and solo journeys on her blog, KatelynnOutLoud.
None Right Now.
Wreck - Catherine Newman
Total nightmare. I wish I could put a negative. Long story short, they made me pay $7000 over a flat tire and almost left me alone in the mountain with a bear 5 mins away. I would definetly use more trustworthy rental companies.
Here is the detail. I hit a pothole during my trip and got a flat tire. It was a Sunday afternoon. I called their support to get toll service, and at first they told me to wait for a couple of hrs. I waited an hr and wanted to make sure I wasn’t forgotten so I called back. Turo told me to keep waiting. I waited another hr and called back. And they told me because it was Sunday, there wasn’t anyone coming….I wish they had told me that at the beginning, because it was getting dark, and I was basically told I was on my own. And after I ended the phone call with them, I found a toll service in 15 mins….After that, when I got home, I got a $7000 damage bill for all the tires, trims, and many other items. I rented a 2021 car. I don’t understand why I need to pay for all four tires, the cosmetics, and more. When I tried to use the additional protection plan I purchased, they told me that because I missed an email from them, my insurance was voided. Super frustrating and I felt I was scammed by the rental owner and Turo. And when I tried to make sense with their customer service. They kept trying to talk over me….I can’t even talk about my case with thm. Don’t recommend at all.
My Turo car was repossessed. Not a typo REPOSSESSED! Turo admin hasn’t reimbursed me for prescription glasses and Uber costs.
Save yourself. Do not rent from Turo
As a host of Turo, I have had tires flat, a broken key fob, and gas not replaced. I had one person rent the car, and another person drive the car, then trashed the car. Ive had drugs left in my car and all of this, Turo found a way to not be accountable
Yikes, that is all bad news. I assume you no longer rent your vehicle on Turo? Or does the positive outweigh these downfalls? I’m happy to hear from a host! I haven’t heard much at all from those that actually rent their vehicles out so it’s nice to get that perspective too.
I would not recommend Turo for car rental. I rented a vehicle for two months, paid the amount due with a debit card, and after returning the vehicle, the owner told Turo I had caused damage, which I had not. They debited my account almost another $1000 for the repair. I tried to sort this out with Turo. They were polite but refused to answer almost all of my questions to help get to the bottom of it (including what type of metadata they use for photos), and wanted “proof” that I did not damage it. I will never rent through them again, primarily because the customer is not protected at all and it appears the private owners are neither screened or held accountable. There is no recourse whatsoever if you experience a problem.
I’ve heard some really tough stories about Turo (and almost every other car rental agency), so I don’t doubt your experience at all. I’m sorry you went through that. Did you purchase Turo’s protection plan or just go with the basic? I’m just curious if that helped you at all if you did purchase it or if you felt it was useless? Thankfully I haven’t had any bad experiences yet and I’ve now rented 8 cars through Turo, but I also always purchase the mid-tier insurance in hopes that if the time comes, I’ll have a lot more coverage.
Hi Katelyn, how are you? I really appreciated your response, thank you. Unfortunately, it’s been four months since I had problems with a car I rented through Turo, and nothing has been resolved, even though I tried several times. I don’t recommend Turo.
Hey, thanks for commenting! I’m doing great.
That’s a bummer on your non-resolved issues with Turo. As I mentioned in my post, it sounds like a lot of people love it IF everything goes well. Once something doesn’t go well and customer service, or maybe the provided insurer has to get involved, that’s where people seem to make the most complaints. I haven’t had to do so yet, but I’m aware I’m taking that risk each time I rent. I’ve now rented 7 different cars through Turo in 7 different cities across America and have been blessed with great experiences thus far (knock on wood)!
Despite your continued effort to resolve the issue with no response, I HOPE there’s still a chance for it to work out for you.
I have rented twice through Turo and both hosts were quick to respond to messages, their vehicles were clean and operated well. Both rentals were for weekend trips out of town so I Love the unlimited miles option. I find it much easier than trying to go through a regular car rental agency.
I think there are good and bad experiences with all services, but I still think Turo is an excellent and affordable option. I’ve now completed my 7th Turo trip rental and had nothing but good things to say. I’m glad your experiences so far have been positive as well.
Did you all know that Turo charges customers twice for each and every trip? You are charged with Trip fee and Trip price. So two different prices per day. This is a rip off and I will not be paying any more money to this company. On my receipt, it read as followed:
Trip price
$68.00 total is what I pay
2 days @ $34.00/day
Distance limited to 200 mile per day
Trip fee
$35.17 total is what I am charged.
2 days @ $17.58/day
So I am being charged two different prices per day for the rental. Will not be using Turo again.
Turo is not for everyone. I don’t know why they bill the way they do, but you know the whole cost upfront before you book. From what I’ve found, and yes, I have both the trip price and trip fee on my receipts, it’s still cheaper than renting from most rental agencies.
It’s important to always do you research and if Turo isn’t for you, thankfully there are many other options!
Hi Katlyllyn, I rented a RAN PROMASTER CARGO 2021 and as soon as I left the parking lot, the following message appeared on the dashboard: ALERT/SERVICE REQ./BLIND SPOT/UNAVAILABLE. I sent a message to the owner and decided to return the car. I paid 22 hours for the car, plus insurance, but I only used it for 6 hours and 30 minutes. I have the incident number (798316), I contacted support, the owner of the car and no one contacted me to return the money for the time that was not used. It is absurd that I have to deal with this. I have already been very harmed by not being able to use the car. What should I do? Can you help me? Thank you.
Marcos, this isn’t really my area of expertise, but it seems like you’ve done all the correct things. If you took pictures of the alerts that popped up on the dashboard and you messaged the vehicle owner promptly, all your messages should be timestamped. The owner is responsible for providing a solution (could be a repair or a refund). I probably wouldn’t have returned the car without an agreement of refund in writing, but depending on your timeline, that may have been difficult to get. If the owner of the vehicle does not take responsibility and you have timestamped images showing when you picked up the car, when the alerts came on, and communication between you and the owner of the vehicle, you should be able to reach out to Turo directly or the insurance you purchased through Turo for additional assistance. Unfortunately, this kind of thing could happen with any rental vehicle whether it was on turo or at a specific rental agency. My course of action would have been contacting the owner of the vehicle and asking for a refund, if that didn’t occur, I would have reached out to the insurance provider and explained the situation to see what could be done, and then probably Turo to file a complaint.
Sorry that has happened to you! Be sure to leave a review on Turo if that owner refused to repair or provide a refund as well as any evidence you have for your claim!
I have rented this vehicle for almost a month for 65 dollars and some change. So, I tried paying with my self lender card it wasn’t taking anything off so I used my bank card so it took off both crds but doesn’t give the free days or credit I’m done. You live and you learn
Thanks for sharing your experience
Of course! It’s always helpful to hear about other people’s experiences before you commit to something like that!